Does Mineral Water Count as Drinking Regular Water?

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2016 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, still water and sparkling water were found to be equally hydrating, demonstrating that bubbles don't hinder fluid absorption. This brings into focus the common question: does mineral water count as drinking regular water?

Quick Summary

Mineral water absolutely counts toward your daily hydration goals, as it is fundamentally water. While both mineral and regular tap water hydrate effectively, mineral water offers additional electrolytes and minerals from its natural source, which tap water may lack or contain in varying amounts. The choice depends on personal preferences for taste and mineral content.

Key Points

Hydrates Effectively: Mineral water is fundamentally water and hydrates the body just as effectively as regular tap water.
Contains Extra Minerals: Sourced from natural springs, mineral water contains additional electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and sodium, which can supplement your diet.
No Substitute for Diet: While mineral water provides minerals, a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables is a much better source for meeting your nutritional needs.
Higher Cost and Environmental Impact: Mineral water is significantly more expensive and has a higher carbon footprint compared to tap water due to bottling and transport.
Choose Based on Preference: The best water for hydration is the one you will drink consistently. If you prefer the taste of mineral water, it is a valid choice, but not superior for everyday hydration.
Tap Water is a Viable Alternative: For those with access to safe tap water, it is a convenient, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly option that provides effective hydration.

Yes, Mineral Water Counts as Regular Water

At its core, mineral water is simply water, making it a valid and effective source for hydration. Like regular tap water, its primary function is to replenish fluids lost by the body. The fundamental difference lies in its mineral composition and source. Mineral water comes from protected underground reservoirs and springs, and by law, must contain a minimum amount of dissolved minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium. Regular tap water, sourced from surface or groundwater, is treated and purified, which can strip away some of these minerals, though levels vary significantly by location.

The Hydration Factor: Mineral vs. Regular Water

Studies confirm that the body is hydrated equally well by still water, sparkling water, and mineral water, provided no sugary additives are present. Some research even suggests that the mineral content in certain bottled waters might slightly enhance the hydrating effect, as electrolytes like sodium and potassium help with fluid balance. However, this difference is often marginal in daily life and more relevant for athletes replacing significant electrolyte loss during intense exercise.

Key Differences Beyond Hydration

While both serve the same basic purpose, the specific mineral content offers distinct benefits and drawbacks:

Source and Purity: Mineral water is bottled at its source and is protected from external pollutants, whereas tap water undergoes chemical disinfection during treatment. This process in tap water can sometimes leave a chlorine aftertaste, which many people find unpleasant. Mineral water is praised for its natural purity.
Mineral Content and Health Benefits: Mineral water's natural blend of minerals can be a supplemental source for nutrients like calcium and magnesium, which support bone and heart health. Tap water's mineral content is highly dependent on your geographical location and can be inconsistent. However, a balanced diet is still the primary source for essential minerals.
Taste Profile: The unique mineral composition of bottled mineral water gives it a distinct flavor profile, which can range from slightly salty to earthy. Tap water's taste is also influenced by its mineral content and local treatment processes.

Comparison Table: Mineral Water vs. Regular Tap Water


Feature	Mineral Water	Regular Tap Water
Source	Protected underground reservoirs and springs.	Surface water (rivers, lakes) or groundwater.
Processing	Minimal processing; bottled at the source.	Extensively treated and chemically disinfected.
Mineral Content	Must meet FDA standards for total dissolved solids (>250 ppm); consistent mineral profile per brand.	Varies significantly by location; can contain beneficial minerals but inconsistent.
Hydration Efficacy	Excellent; some studies suggest minor enhancement from electrolytes.	Excellent; provides fundamental hydration.
Cost	Significantly more expensive due to sourcing, bottling, and transport.	Very inexpensive and readily available through plumbing systems.
Environmental Impact	High carbon footprint from production, bottling, and transportation.	Low carbon footprint; no packaging required.

Considerations for Different Needs

For the average person, tap water provides sufficient and effective hydration. However, there are specific situations where mineral water might offer an advantage:

Taste Preference: If you find the flavor of your local tap water unappealing, mineral water offers a different, often preferred, taste that might encourage you to drink more water.
Mineral Supplementation: While not a replacement for a balanced diet, certain mineral waters can provide a small boost of specific minerals. Individuals with low magnesium levels, for instance, have shown a modest reduction in blood pressure by regularly consuming mineral-rich water.
Convenience: For people constantly on the go, bottled mineral water offers portability, although this comes with a higher environmental and financial cost.

The Importance of Making an Informed Choice

The most crucial aspect of hydration is consistency. Regardless of whether you choose mineral or regular water, the key is to drink enough fluid throughout the day to meet your body's needs. For those concerned about sustainability, choosing reusable bottles and using a home water filter for tap water is a more eco-friendly option. This allows you to remove unwanted impurities while avoiding the plastic waste associated with bottled water, and some advanced filters can even balance pH or add back beneficial minerals.

Conclusion

Does mineral water count as regular water? Absolutely. It is an excellent hydrating fluid. However, for most people in developed nations with safe tap water, the added benefits of mineral water are minimal and not worth the significant extra cost or environmental impact. While the trace minerals and taste profile of mineral water can be appealing, a balanced diet provides far greater mineral intake. The best water for you is ultimately the one you will drink consistently to stay well-hydrated. For those seeking extra minerals, incorporating more fruits and vegetables is a more effective strategy than relying solely on bottled water.

For more information on water quality and safety standards, you can visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website, which outlines regulations for tap water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While mineral water contains more dissolved minerals, which can offer minor health benefits, a balanced diet provides the majority of your body's required minerals. Safe, regulated tap water is perfectly healthy for daily hydration and often contains beneficial minerals as well.

Yes, research confirms that sparkling water is just as hydrating as still water. The carbonation, or fizz, does not negatively impact the body's ability to absorb water.

Yes, it is generally safe to drink mineral water daily. However, individuals with specific health conditions like high blood pressure should monitor brands with higher sodium levels.

Yes, mixing mineral water with tap water is completely fine. This can be a way to combine the enhanced taste or mineral content of bottled water with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of tap water.

For most everyday workouts, tap water is sufficient for rehydration. For longer, more intense exercise where significant electrolytes are lost through sweat, a specialized sports drink or electrolyte tablets might be more effective than relying on the trace minerals in mineral water.

Spring water comes from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. Mineral water, by FDA definition, must contain at least 250 parts per million of dissolved minerals and cannot have minerals added. While both come from protected underground sources, mineral water typically has a more consistent and higher mineral content.

Disadvantages include higher cost, greater environmental impact from plastic bottles, and potential microplastic exposure. Some carbonated mineral waters may also cause bloating or acid reflux in sensitive individuals.